A rash that forms after you eat chocolate is most likely related to an allergic reaction. The allergic reaction may be caused by the cocoa in the chocolate or another ingredient in the chocolate product that you're allergic to. For example, if you eat a milk chocolate bar that contains nuts, the allergic rash may be the result of a milk allergy, nut or peanut allergy. Your rash needs to be evaluated by a family doctor or an allergist. Most allergy rashes do not pose a life-threatening concern, but a rash may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
Allergy Rashes
Allergy rashes typically form a few minutes after you the substance that causes the allergic reaction. Most allergy rashes appear with other symptoms, such as asthma, digestive difficulties and nasal congestion. The most common allergy rashes caused after eating chocolate include eczema, hives and general itching. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that could be triggered by eating chocolate. Hives can appear anywhere on your body in clusters of welts that tend to migrate to different parts of your body. General itching may occur without the formation of blisters, bumps or other inflammation.
Chocolate Allergy
Diagnosing a chocolate allergy primarily from your symptoms can be difficult. Because most chocolate products contain various highly allergic ingredients, such as soy, milk, nuts, peanuts and wheat, you should see an allergist to determine the cause of your allergic rash. An allergy to cocoa beans, the main ingredient in chocolate, is considered rare, according to Healthology.com. During an allergic reaction, your mast cells near the surface of the skin produce histamine, which causes inflammation and swelling in the skin.
Diagnosis
To treat and prevent your allergic rash condition, you need to undergo allergy testing and receive a clinical diagnosis. During allergy testing, the doctor will take a sample of your blood and introduce the proteins from the different ingredients in the chocolate. If your blood develops immunoglobulin E antibodies, you are allergic to that ingredient. Skin-prick tests are also used to diagnose food-related allergies. If your skin becomes red and inflamed after the suspected allergen is placed under your skin, you're allergic to that ingredient.
Treatment
Treat an allergic rash from eating chocolate by first calling your doctor. Take an oral antihistamine and apply hydrocortisone directly on the rash. The antihistamine will reduce the amount of histamine and inflammation caused by the allergic reaction. Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid that will reduce the inflammation and itching of the rash. Avoiding the allergen is the most effective way to treat and prevent allergic skin conditions.
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